Recurrent pregnancy refers to a situation where a woman has experienced multiple pregnancy losses or failed attempts at carrying a pregnancy to term.

It can be a frustrating and emotionally grueling experience for couples; however, understanding the factors that contribute to this condition can help in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Increasing age is one of the most significant factors that contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss and infertility.

As a woman ages, the quality of her eggs decreases, making it harder for fertilization to occur and increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, which can lead to miscarriages.

Furthermore, increasing age in women can also lead to declining progesterone levels, which are necessary to sustain a pregnancy.

This means that even if a fertilized egg implants successfully in the uterus, the pregnancy might not progress well, leading to a miscarriage.

Genetic factors

Genetic factors can also contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss. Certain genetic disorders, such as structural abnormalities in the chromosomes or inherited single gene disorders, can increase the risk of miscarriage.

Though these abnormalities may be inherited from either parent, some – like structural chromosomal abnormalities – may occur spontaneously.

Also, it’s essential to note that women with recurrent pregnancy loss seem to have an increased tendency for thrombophilia (abnormal blood clotting) compared to women who have healthy pregnancies.

This abnormality can reduce the blood flow to the placenta, leading to fetal death or miscarriage.

Hormonal factors

Hormonal imbalances like thyroid dysfunction, Luteal Phase Defect (LPD), high prolactin levels and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can result in recurrent pregnancy loss.

These disorders can interfere with ovulation, create hormonal imbalances, and disrupt the implantation and development of a healthy pregnancy.

Infections and Chronic Diseases

Infections such as bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia, sexually transmitted infections, and urinary tract infections can increase the risk of spontaneous miscarriage.

Chronic disorders such as recurrent heart disease and autoimmune diseases like lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can also lead to recurrent pregnancy loss.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors such as exposure to toxins, radiation, and risky lifestyle choices like smoking and alcohol consumption can affect fertility and increase the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Studies have shown that exposure to toxins like PCB, DDT, and phthalates can impact the reproductive system and increase the chances of miscarriage.

Anatomical factors

Abnormalities or disorders in the uterus, cervix, and ovaries can also lead to recurrent pregnancy loss. These abnormalities include fibroids, polyps, cysts on the ovaries, and incompetent cervix.

These conditions can interfere with implantation and development of a healthy pregnancy, making it difficult for the fetus to grow and develop.

Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, stress, and lack of exercise, can also contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss.

A sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, and being overweight or obese are associated with an increased risk of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss in women. Similarly, stress can affect hormonal cycles and potentially lead to issues during the women’s ovulation cycle.

Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss

Unfortunately, sometimes it’s challenging to determine the underlying causes of recurrent pregnancy loss even after numerous tests. As such, it’s classified in the “unexplained” category, accounting for about 50% of cases.

Treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss

Several treatments are aimed at helping women with recurrent pregnancy loss.

Treatment strategies include medication to regulate hormones, prophylactic measures like aspirin and heparin, surgery to address anatomical abnormalities, and counseling sessions to address psychological stress and anxiety.

While treatment methods can yield success, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes of the condition to prevent future re-occurrence.